• Benjamin Moore HC-68 Middlebury Brown—"There are many dark browns that have heaps of red in them, and they're too hot and sticky," says Hampton. This shade, however, "is a cool dark brown with lots of gray."

• Benjamin Moore HC-69 Whitall Brown—"It instantly creates a feeling of enveloping comfort," says McDonald. "You can pair it with a pastel or neutral for a softer bedroom, or something bold like red for a library."

• Benjamin Moore 2135-70 Patriotic White—"I love colors that are mercurial — they are white in bright sunlight and as the light changes the color starts to come to the surface," says Wolf. "Patriotic White is that perfect color for me."